Why Some Women Get A Period Flu & How To Manage It, From MDs

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)1 symptoms affect 95% of all women of reproductive age. Symptoms of PMS can include nausea, aches, hot flashes, and fatigue—many of which mirror symptoms of the flu. Because of these similarities, many women have described the effects as "period flu." 

Period flu, though not an official medical condition, may be a side effect of PMS. Symptoms can include fatigue, achiness, and increased body temperature, says OB/GYN and integrative women's health expert Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, M.D. Other PMS symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, and even vomiting2, according to one small study. 

While these pre-period symptoms are similar to those of influenza, period flu is distinguished by its cyclical nature. "Period flu symptoms can occur between ovulation and the beginning of your period," integrative medicine doctor Alejandra Carrasco, M.D., tells mbg. And the symptoms will generally occur on a monthly basis. 

There's no evidence to prove why some women experience more severe symptoms of PMS, like period flu, while others don"t. However, Gilberg-Lenz says period flu could be triggered by an increased sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations or an increased inflammatory response during the menstrual cycle. 

Generally, the symptoms of period flu will subside when menstruation starts, or a few days into the period. If the issues persist or are disruptive to daily life, it may be worth reaching out to a primary care physician or an OB/GYN. "It's always better to be safe than sorry," Carrasco says. 

Examples of persisting issues include a lasting fever over 101 degrees, dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting, or symptoms that continue to occur well into or after your period. 

Since period flu is not a medical diagnosis, there's no true treatment. However, there are ways to help manage the symptoms.

One of the best ways to deal with period flu, according to Gilberg-Lenz, is with supportive care, such as resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and managing inflammation.

To help manage inflammation, Cabeca suggests eliminating or reducing inflammatory foods and incorporating antioxidants into the diet.

Adding supplements to support the body's natural anti-inflammatory responses could also help. "Turmeric, resveratrol, and fish oil are some of my favorite natural ways to combat the inflammatory effects of prostaglandins," Carrasco says. Brands like Solgar have some great supplement options in each of these categories. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, may also be helpful.